An off-duty police officer fatally shot a motorist Wednesday who had pinned him between cars at a northwest Harris County apartment complex, authorities said.

According to preliminary information, a Navasota police officer was investigating what he thought was suspicious activity at the Villages of Copperfield apartments in the 8700 block of Point Park, near Highway 6 and West Road. The officer lives at the apartments and performs part-time security work there.

The officer noticed two people sitting in a car about 5 p.m., and walked up to the small white sedan because he thought the driver and passenger looked suspicious. It wasn't immediately clear why the officer's suspicions were raised.

Although he was not in uniform, he identified himself as a police officer, authorities said.

Sheriffs officials said the officer opened the car door to question the pair when the vehicle suddenly darted forward, pinning him between two cars.

The officer pulled a pistol and opened fire as he was being pinned, sheriff's officials said.

The white car then continued through the parking lot until it crashed into a pickup.

The driver was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.